a vibrant, futuristic megalopolis that is a curious fusion of the ancient and the modern. Past meets present as ornate temples and sprawling palaces contrast with the shining glass and steel office towers of Itaewon and starchitect-designed museums. With 20.5 million residents, Seoul is the world’s second-largest metropolitan area, and in 2010, was designated a World Design Capital. Enter this energetic, fascinating city, and experience its diverse character for yourself.
For most international travelers, the main point of entry will be ICN Seoul Incheon.
► Wikipedia information on ICN Seoul Incheon
The best source to check which airlines are servicing the airport.
International Finance Center (IFC) in the Yeouido business district
Size: 434 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 2012
Most Recent Renovation/Update: 1988
Designer/Architect: Contemporary
Seasonal Operations: open year-round / Property is closed from Sept 1 to 30
Seasonal Operations: Closed during the Winter Season
One of the flagship Conrad Asia City hotels.
Hitting that sweet spot between business savvy and personalized service, Conrad Seoul is a destination unto itself – it’s the closest hotel to both international airports and offers direct access to IFC Seoul. When work winds down, refresh in a spacious guest room or suite with Han River and skyline views, then head downstairs for exceptional dining at several distinct restaurants (don’t miss the highly acclaimed 37 Grill & Bar or VVertigo), massage treatments, or shopping at nearby The Hyundai Seoul. Executive accommodations allow access to an exclusive lounge, complete with a cozy fireplace and complimentary laptops and refreshments.
PART OF MY HYATT PREFERRED PARTNER PRIVÉ PORTFOLIO
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Jongno-gu
Size: 317 rooms and suites
Style: Modern Design & Lively
Year Opened: 2015
Located in the heart of Seoul, a short walking distance from the city’s major attractions including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Seoul Plaza, the Four Seasons Hotel is all about comfort and luxury. Its ivory-colored guestrooms are an elegant blend of modern and traditional décor complete with top-of-the-line mattresses and beds to ensure a good night’s sleep. The restaurants serve some of the best dining the city has to offer.
I AM A FOUR SEASONS PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in
• Daily full breakfast for two people per bedroom, served in a hotel restaurant or through In-Room Dining
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Guaranteed late check-out at 4pm
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
south of Gangnam
Size: 184 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 2005
Most Recent Renovation/Update: 2021
After a much needed renovation, the Park Hyatt Seoul has regained its reputation as one of the best hotels in Seoul.
Located in the heart of Seoul’s financial, entertainment, and shopping district, Park Hyatt Seoul offers 184 spacious and comfortable guest rooms, including 38 suites, all of which feature a contemporary residential style, floor-to-ceiling windows, and spa-inspired bathrooms. Guests can experience exquisite cuisine at Cornerstone, The Lounge, and The Timber House, while the Park Club offers a heated indoor swimming pool, a fitness studio, and luxurious spa treatments. In addition, the hotel’s event salons and boardrooms feature facilities that are ideal for a variety of business meetings, private events, and social gatherings.
PART OF MY HYATT PREFERRED PARTNER PRIVÉ PORTFOLIO
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Olympic Park region
Size: 253 rooms and suites
Style: Super Contemporary
Year Opened: 2017
This is the hotel with WOW factor, including the Rolls Royce pick-up from the airport. The rooms, staff and service beyond compare.
If views are your thing, you can’t do any better in South Korea than Signiel Seoul. It occupies the 76th to 101st floors of the Lotte World Tower, which is one of the world’s tallest buildings. This means it’s by far the tallest in town, affording an unparalleled vantage point from which to observe the endless sprawl of the city and the mountains beyond – even from the lowest floor of the hotel you’re above the top of Seoul’s next-tallest tower.
But it’s not just the elevation that makes Signiel special. Like all the best of Asia’s skyscraper-topping luxury hotels, it combines its vertiginous perspective with some high-end comforts and, in this case, a look that’s a surprising blend of five-star grandeur and sleek contemporary style. Equally importantly, it’s got plenty to offer the other senses as well, from premium bedding in the bedrooms and Diptyque bath products in the spa-like bathrooms, to the restaurants, which include a modern French option by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno and a contemporary Korean fine-dining restaurant called Bicena. There’s also a spa, the Retreat SIGNIEL, and a library/lounge that’s both an effective meeting venue and a genuinely welcoming place to pass some time.
PART OF MY MICHELIN PARTNER PORTFOLIO
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
Walker Hill / Gwangjin
Size: 52 rooms and suites
Style: Modern Design & Lively
Walkerhill Douglas House represents another, more natural side of Seoul — it’s in the forested foothills of Achasan Mountain, overlooking the contemplative Hangang riverbank. All of that works together towards a woodsy retreat with a folk-chic design sensibility. Hammocks adorn many public spaces, and also the rooms, where organic forms and botanical tones recreate the forest outside. It’s the perfect foil to the high-energy metropolis on the other side of the mountain.
PART OF MY MICHELIN PARTNER PORTFOLIO
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
► Pocket WiFi Korea
Good Pocket WiFi provider, for South Korea specific travel.
► UBIGI eSIM
For Asia / Africa / Oceania, Ubigi is my favorite selection for a travel eSIM.
► Saily – eSIM
Global data only eSIM provider, easy to use and install.
► VIRTUOSO: Seoul Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► WIKIVOYAGE: Seoul Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Seoul South Korea.
South Korea General Information
with Visa & Entry Requirements
or leave a comment below
page updated: December 2024
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, South Korea Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
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